Former Nigerian champions, Grasshoppers of Owerri and Rivers Queens played out a 23-23 draw on Day Two of the first phase of the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League, held in Benin City, Edo State.
 
Rivers Queens led the first half 13 to 8, but the Grasshoppers clawed back into the game to earn a point. In other games played in the women’s category, Plateau Peacocks defeated Ekiti Queens 37-18 with the first half ending 18-11 in favour of the Peacocks.
 
In the men’s category, Rima Strikers defeated Adamawa Warriors 27-23; Niger United beat Lagos Seasiders 30-25, while Safety Shooters beat Benue Buffaloes 26-22.
 
Despite their loss to Plateau Peacocks on Tuesday, Ekiti Queens’ coach, Ayo-Idowu Kayode, said that his team still had hopes of making a great impact in the championship.  Kayode’s young team have lost two games in the ongoing league.
 
The debutants lost 59-29 to Safety Babes on Monday and suffered another defeat to Plateau Peacocks as they were beaten 37-18. However, Kayode expressed optimism over the fortunes of his team, whom he has been coaching from the U-12 level.
 
He said: “The experience we have had in the first two days is worthy. This is the first time I am coaching at this level and my players are also playing in the elite league for the first time.
 
“Playing at this tournament is an eye-opener for me, the players, and Ekiti State which invests most in football.” He noted the high standard of the league, saying that teams have been contesting fiercely in their pursuit of glory. He also described it as a beauty to watch how teams tinker with their tactics to boost their chances of winning games.